The nephew of Hyde Councillors Jim and Phil Fitzpatrick is counting on the public vote as he heads into tonight’s Big Brother final.

MODEL CONTESTANT: Ash Harrison.

Ash Harrison, 26, has become known on the Channel Five TV show for boasting of his good looks and how he is well known as a party boy on the Manchester scene.

Currently a model, the Hyde resident still lives at home with his mum as he enjoys her cooking, stating: “My mum’s one of my best friends. I’m a mummy’s boy and tell her everything – she’s one of the lads.”

But after spending three months in the Big Brother house, his mum Mary is hoping that the 26-year-old will get the votes he needs to come out as the winner.

“Everyone has got their fingers crossed for tonight” said Mary, who has supported her son throughout his 12 weeks in the Big Brother house.

“I really hope he’s crowned champion because it would be a great achievement for him.

“I think he’s come across really well in the house as he only went in there to enjoy the whole experience.”

She added: “He didn’t have any agendas and I know as soon as he comes out he’s going to say that he’s had an absolutely fantastic time.”

Grandson of former Tameside Mayor

However, despite Mary’s hopes for Ash, his friendship with fellow Mancunian contestant, Helen Wood, could ultimately cost him victory.

Helen, who won a pass to the final in the first week of the show, has become the house villain thanks to her bullying antics, but has become good pals with Ash.

“Helen does have a bit of a reputation,” admitted Mary.

“But they have got on as mates.

“Ash doesn’t know about her on the outside world and he’s stuck up for her and been loyal, which I think is good on his side, whether that will go against him or not I don’t know.”

Often playing football on Saturdays for Denton FC, Ash is also known in the borough as the grandson of former Tameside Mayor and long-serving local councillor Joe Fitzpatrick.

Joe, who died at the age of 91 in 2012, was made an honorary alderman of the borough in 2007, shortly after he retired as a councillor.

Ash is one of six finalists in the show, after the contestants were whittled down from a starting number of 19.

You can vote for Ash in tonight’s final which starts at 9pm, by calling 6 50 58 01 from a mobile or by calling 090 20 44 58 01 from a landline.

Alternatively you can vote via the iOS app.

– You can read more on this story in the current edition of the Tameside Reporter (August 14).